Lotus position or Padmasana is an excellent cross-leg sitting position, from ancient India, where each leg is placed directly on the opposite leg. It’s an old asana in Yoga, often pre-dating hatha yoga and, therefore, is very popular for daily meditation in Hindu, Tantra and Jain traditions. The actual name, Lotus, comes from the Sanskrit word “limbha” which means “to float or rest upon.” The meaning of Lotus in English is, “wnifted or lifted up.”
The Lotus position has its base on the floor with both feet touching the floor and the head facing up. Keep your knees straight and your back straight with your shoulders squared with the floor. With the chest open slightly, inhale through the nose and release through the mouth. Inhale and exhale at the same time; this is the basic pattern of the half lotus pose.
You can practice this as a stand-alone lotus position, or you can adapt it to other sitting and sleeping positions. In standing Lotus position, the left leg is folded neatly against the thigh of the right leg. Hold the ankles in your left hand, with the right leg on top of the ankle and the left leg on the opposite ankle. Straighten the right leg while keeping the left leg straight. If you use a mat, place the feet so that they’re about a hand’s width apart from each other. In sitting in Lotus position, with your back straight, place your buttocks on your heels with your left knee slightly higher than the right knee.
In sitting in Lotus position, you can use a block or a chair for support, if you like. If you are comfortable sitting in this posture, the arms should be up by your sides. Bring the chin up toward the chest and breathe in through your nose. In standing Lotus position, keep the arms at your sides and raise the shoulders so that they form a U-shape.
This yoga posture is often practiced as an alternative to sitting, along with Sun Salutation. You can bring the lotus pose into its own standalone practice by learning to sit Lotus exercises. The Lotus sitting exercise is done by first sitting on a chair with your back straight. Sit so that your thighs are parallel to the floor, with your stomach tucked in. With the right hand, bring the hand down to the small of your back.
Lotus sitting Asanas is very useful in helping you stay relaxed and focused. To practice Lotus sitting asanas, ensure that your heels are pointed towards the outside of your foot. Then, place your hands on top of your heels, with both of your hands resting on the balls of your feet. Straighten your spine and then press your lower back into the floor, opening your legs until the thighs are fully extended.
To prepare for the cross-legged sitting meditation poses, sit on a chair with your legs crossed while your feet are placed flat on the floor. Bring your right thigh slightly higher than your left, placing your right hand on the thigh that is slightly higher. Hold the asana for three breaths, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. The next thing to do is to relax your body, allowing your thoughts to come in and out without obstruction. Make sure that you keep your mind alert and focused.
In general, Lotus is seen as a gift of Buddhism to the world. It is often practiced as part of a ritual activity in Hinduism. Even in modern times, many people practice yoga techniques that focus on this pose. Asana has a significant place in the lives of people practicing the Hinduism religion, especially when it comes to achieving enlightenment.
Types Of Yoga Poses
- Lotus position Yoga –
- Adho mukha svanasana Yoga
- Handstand Yoga
- Shavasana Yoga
- Balasana Yoga
- Bhujangasana Yoga
- Kapotasana Yoga
- Tadasana Yoga
- Bakasana Yoga
- Vajrasana Yoga
- Vrikshasana Yoga
- Trikonasana Yoga
- Dhanurasana Yoga
- Shirshasana Yoga
- Chaturanga Dandasana Yoga
- Ustrasana Yoga
- Uttanasana Yoga
- Sarvangasana Yoga
- Navasana Yoga
- Bhekasana (Mandukasana) Yoga
- Mālāsana Yoga
- Halasana Yoga
- Paschimottanasana Yoga
- Sukhasana Yoga
- Chakrasana Yoga
- Gomukhasanab Yoga
- Baddha Konasana Yoga
- Virasana Yoga
- Utkatasana Yoga
- Garudasana Yoga
- Ardha Chandrasana Yoga
- Marjariasana Yoga
- Matsyasana Yoga
- Mayurasana Yoga
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana ( Bridge Pose) Yoga
- Salabhasana Yoga
- Viparita Karani Yoga
- Virabhadrasana I Yoga
- Utthita Parsvakonasana Yoga
- Matsyendrasana Yoga
- Janusirsasana Yoga
- Dandasana Yoga
- Siddhasana Yoga
- Hanumanasana Yoga
- Makarasana Yoga
- Natarajasana Yoga
- Pincha Mayurasana Yoga
- Supta Baddha Konasana Yoga
- Simhasana Yoga
- Upavistha Konasana Yoga
